Mirvetuximab Soravtansine for FRα-positive Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer

• Wingyee Tang

  Author

Ovarian cancer is not much better now, and many patients have developed resistance to platinum- based chemotherapy. Folate receptor alpha (FRα) is highly expressed in many ovarian cancers and has relatively low expression in normal tissues; therefore, it serves as a potential target for therapy. Mirvetuximab Soravtansine (MIRV) is an FRα-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) that delivers the cytotoxic agent DM4 to FRα-expressing tumour cells. MIRV binds to FRα, is taken up by the cell, releases DM4, impairs microtubule function, and thus causes tumour cell death. MIRV is used to determine whether FRα is expressed in a patient, and its application in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer has provided some clinical evidence. The FORWARD I trial indicated that FRα expression may be associated with differences in response to treatment, and subsequent SORAYA and MIRASOL trials have shown stronger clinical benefits for patients with high levels of FRα expression. MIRASOL had a relatively high response rate and progression-free survival and overall survival than MIRV in standard chemotherapy. MIRV also has some deficiencies, such as ocular side effects, differences in FRα expression in tumours, and the risk of treatment resistance. More research needs to be done to improve the selection standards for patients and investigate combined-treatment paths with MIRV. MIRV offers a more specific treatment option for some patients with FRα-positive platinum-resistant ovarian cancer overall.

• JHSCT000013.pdf